The main features of old social movements were –

a) It was class based but when it came to fight for right all the class got united.

b) The major movements were against colonialism.

c) The main concern of the movement was the struggle between what they had and what they had not.

d) It was under the guidance of political parties.

e) The movements were regarding the reorganization of power relationship whether it be the struggle of women against male domination or mobilisation of workers towards capitalist.

f) Political parties played the major role and became the voice of poor people.

g) It was basically concerned with social inequality and unequal distribution of resources.

The main features of new social movements are –

a) It started in early 1970

b) It was not class based but involved broad social group and was concerned with universal themes

c) It included movements like women's movement, environmental movement, etc.

d) It was not about re-distribution of power but about the improvement in the quality of life

e) Moments are autonomous and no more dependent upon the political parties

f) The new social movements not only covered National issues but also International issues